Doncaster student beats brain injury to take on charity bike ride

A Doncaster student who suffered mild traumatic brain injury in a cycling accident has overcome her injuries to cycle to Paris for charity.
Lauren Ingham, aged 21, from Askern, will cycle 300 miles between London and Paris in July to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now.

Published:12:52Friday 26 May 2017

A Doncaster student who suffered mild traumatic brain injury in a cycling accident has overcome her injuries to cycle to Paris for charity.

Lauren Ingham, aged 21, from Askern, will cycle 300 miles between London and Paris in July to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now.

She said: “I chose to ride for Breast Cancer Now because all of us at some point in our lives will be affected by cancer, whether it be a family member, friend or yourself.

“The feeling I will get when I finish at the Eiffel Tower will be unlike anything I have experienced. I am nervous, yet excited. The most challenging thing will be the hills.”

Lauren’s bike ride is only months after she was knocked off her bike and suffered serious head injuries.

She said: “My brain had forgotten how to function. I struggled to walk, talk, sometimes even open my eyes.”

Lauren did not use her bike for a month after the accident, which happened in November in York - where she now lives.

She added: “I am still cautious sometimes and sometimes anxious about riding, but I have pushed myself to overcome these anxieties in order to continue doing what I love.”

Lauren has also said that cyclists and drivers need to be educated on how to be safe on the road.

She said: “More awareness of cycling safety for cyclists should be available, especially those who are new to the sport.

“I suppose everyone has to learn somewhere, but if you are new to the sport and go out on your own please, please be careful and courteous. To drivers, please just have a few seconds of patience when coming up to a group of cyclists.”